Expert: Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT - 4/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3yr old female golden and I'm not quite sure how to break her of this habit of fear growling.  I have had her since 8wks old,she is timid.

ANSWER: Not a lot of information here. In what situations does she growl? Is she afraid of people? Other dogs? Her environment? I never punish a growl. Growl is communication. It tells you when the dog is uncomfortable. If you get rid of the growl, you may end up with a dog who feels she has to bite "without warning" since the warning has been taken away. So, instead of breaking the habit of growling, I'd be looking for safe ways to socialize her and teach her that the world isn't scary. And I would respect her communication that a situation is more than she can handle. And work slowly and systematically to get her to the point where she doesn't need to growl. If you can give me more information about the situations in which she growls, I might be able to give more help. Sandy Case MEd, CPDT

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QUESTION: She growls whenwe are in the house and someone comes to the door, she growls when I take her into the office at times, she growls at other dogs..  But it is not a mean growl or a biting type growl, but if we go to an outdoor music concert with lots of people I have never had her growl then.  

WHen she does the growling, I give her a quick "shh" and then I will say its ok and take her over to introduce her to the person.  I don't punish her for the growling, just say "shhh".

She is a very timid golden.

Answer
My dogs BARK when someone comes to the door! I acknowledge that they are doing their job and tell them I will take care of things. Letting her calmly go to people instead of letting them come to her is probably a good idea. Will she take good treats from other people? I would ask folks not to make eye contact, or touch her unless you are set up to do a training session. Are you doing any training with her? (if she goes to the office, it sounds like she is pretty well behaved). I would make sure to give her clear rules, boundaries, routine and leadership, and the understanding that you are capable of handling matters and protecting her. The more secure she feels about these things, the less nervous she will be. The more positive mental activity you encourage, the less fearful she will be.  You can also play some games where you treat her for glancing at strangers (or strange dogs) as soon as she notices at them - but before she has a chance to grumble or stare, or work up a reaction. A clicker is very handy for marking that behavior (the glance.) By doing so, you're turning strangers from something scary into an opportunity to gain treats by playing a cool game with you. As to the concerts, some dogs pay less attention to indivudual stimuli if there is a lot going on. And some dogs may be so stressed by a big event with lots of people that they "shut down" and sort of look calm. I would look at her carefully in these situations. What does her body posture, her ears, her tail and her eyes tell you she is feeling? Is she enjoying herself or is she too worried to express an opinion? Sandy Case MEd, CPDT